India Statement under Agenda Item 8a and 8b_Circular Economy_Climate Change strategy
50th Session of Industrial Development Board of UNIDO
India statement on
Agenda Item No 8a: UNIDO activities related to circular economy and Agenda Item No 8b: UNIDO Strategy in response to climate change
[To be delivered by Amb Jaideep Mazumdar]
Thank you Mr President,
2. We associate ourselves with the statement made by the Ambassador of Morocco on behalf of the Group of 77 and China under these agenda items and would like to add the following points from our national perspective.
3. We have carefully studied the reports submitted by the Director General under these agenda items and appreciate UNIDO’s efforts in convening the development dialogues on the strategy in response to climate change as well as the global and regional consultations on circular economy. India has been an active participant in both and has also submitted written inputs from the perspective of a developing country with keen interest in transition to circular economy.
Mr President,
4. The devastating impact of climate disruption are becoming more apparent every year, everywhere. The climate crisis could be the greatest barrier to our collective development aspirations. Therefore, a strategy in response to climate change must be all encompassing too. We believe that UNIDO’s technical cooperation programmes should, where appropriate, include an indicator and a result area in their design showing how the project advances just climate action.
Mr President,
5. India is committed to undertaking its fair share of responsibilities in climate action and this is demonstrated in our delivery. We are the only major economy whichhas already surpassed its Paris commitments. This year, we have further updated our targets which are ambitious especially in our plans for adoption of renewable energy, e-mobility, ethanol blended fuels, and green hydrogen as an alternate energy source. However, we remain convinced that any climate action must fully recognize the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and the respective capacities.
6. We believe it is time for implementation and impact. It is a must that Climate Action is successful ‘in our lifetime’. Inspired by the role played by youth and their innovative spirit in bringing about socio-economic transformation, we believe that the UNIDO’s Climate Strategy should include promotion of local start-ups and innovations, not only for job-creation but also as solution providers.
Mr President,
7. India believes that development of greener energy sources and decarbonization of industries especially of the hard to abate sectors like steel and cement is essential for greening industries. In May 2021, India and the United Kingdom launched an Industrial Deep Decarbonization Initiative that is coordinated by UNIDO. Subsequently, many other member states have also joined the initiative. India is also a member and active participant in the Global Alliance on Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE).
8. Domestically, India has taken measures to formulate policies and promote projects to drive the country towards a circular economy. We have made policy changes to promote adoption of sustainable practices in various sectors. 11 sectoral committees comprising government officials, domain experts, academics and industry representatives are preparing comprehensive action plans for transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.
Mr President,
9. A fundamental requirement for transition from linear economy to circular economy is to minimize production of waste. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during COP 26 Summit in Glasgow inviting the global community to adopt a ‘Life-style for Environment’ and become part of the LiFE initiative. He urged that, for a sustainable future, we adopt mindful and deliberate utilization of resources instead of mindless and destructive consumption. Last month, on 20 October UN Secretary-General, Mr. Antonio Guterres at the launch of LiFE at Kevadia in Gujarat noted, “overconsumption is at the root of the triple planetary emergency of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.We are using the equivalent of 1.6 Earths to maintain our lifestyles.And that great excess is compounded by great inequality………..Each one of us will have to learn to live sustainably and reduce our environmental footprint.”
10. In addition to the lifestyle adjustments, we believe technology and finance are key drivers for transition from a linear economy to a circular economy as well as for implementation of climate strategies.UNIDO can play a key role in facilitating the same while keeping in mind the different stages of development and emergent needs of respective countries. We will continue to engage with UNIDO and the consultations on these subjects with a view to developing a just and effective climate strategy including transitiontowards a circular economy.
I thank you, Mr President.
